the domestic zoo

*note: this review may contain spoilers*

I’m not going to delve into the issues and criticisms surrounding the movie, only to say that I saw the film last night and managed to walked away not an atheist. Whaddya know?

I haven’t read The Golden Compass, or any of the books in the His Dark Materials trilogy. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the film does not live up to Mr. Pullman’s full artistic vision. In fact, were I Mr. Pullman, I would hope that was the case.

Because for the most part, The Golden Compass is just one more fantasy film in a long line of fantasy films. Which is to say, it’s entirely forgettable.

The film’s real strength comes from the performance of the main star, Dakota Blue Richards. She shines as Lyra, perfect blend of wonder and tenaciousness. Lyra is honest and smart and loyal – just the kind of heroine we can root for.

And where there is good, there must be evil. The black to Lyra’s white is Ms. Coulter; if I didn’t know when the books were written, I’d say that the name of this tall, blond, thin villain is a almost too much of a coincidence. Ms. Coulter is manipulative and abusive, her disposition as icy as her stare. The problem is…she’s almost too evil.

That’s the problem with the whole film, really: you’re either good or you’re bad (or, you’re an extraneous character used only to demonstrate how good or bad the more important characters are). There’s no real conflict or turnabout. Character development? What’s that? Within the first twenty minutes our villain is revealed, and the rest of nearly two hours are spent simply watching it all unfold.

The two “big” surprises are handled so quickly there is no time for satisfaction in their discovery. Critical information is given to us with clear and simple explanation. There is no tension and therefore not much to hold the audience’s interest aside from, perhaps, a good looking character or two.

I’m not naming names.

from my little sister:

When you call the hospital and ask to speak with a patient, and we tell you that We’re sorry, but there isn’t anyone here listed by that name, don’t repeat the spelling, or ask Are you sure?, or pause for a really long time and then say, Well, I know he’s there… He’s not here. I just told you that he wasn’t here, yes, I’m sure, and yes, I know how to spell S-m-i-t-h. Just say ‘thanks’ and hang up the phone. It’ll make both of our lives easier.

…and to all a good nap.

We cheated – we opened all of our presents last night.

It was after the Christmas Eve service and our Chinese take-out dinner and what can I say? We were in the mood. We unwrapped our gifts and stayed up until midnight to wish each other ‘Merry Christmas’.

And then we slept in.

Now we’re relaxing and waiting for the Turducken to finishing cooking. I have to work today, but to be honest, I volunteered. My boss couldn’t find anyone else to cover and she (a new mother-in-law and a first-time grandma) was going to have to fill in. Of course, don’t give me the altruism award just yet: the perk is that I’m being paid eight hours of holiday time while only working four hours. God bless us, everyone.

You know you must be curious…

The cats are loving their new catnip toys, Rex is happily shredding tissue paper, Stephen is playing his new electronic resonator guitar (numero quatro in his growing collection), and Hannah is wearing her new Converse All-Stars while playing with Jack and Sally.

It’s been a good Christmas so far.